Packaging assembly

ABSTRACT

A packaging container includes an enveloping plastic layer, first and second articles, and a receptacle. The enveloping plastic layer is formed during an initial packaging, and the enveloping plastic layer has at least one opening. The first article is fully enclosed within one portion of the enveloping plastic layer. The receptacle is at least partially contained and secured within the enveloping plastic layer, and the receptacle has an opening adjacent the opening in the enveloping plastic layer. The second article is insertable into the opening of the receptacle thereby allowing the second article to be inserted after the initial packaging.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. ______, filed Jun. 2, 2005, entitled “PACKAGING ASSEMBLY,” which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Packaging assemblies or containers having molded, typically transparent, plastic coverings are used commonly for the packaging, shipment and display of articles to be purchased. Such packaging containers are commonly called “clamshell” containers that allow articles to be placed in a molded layer of plastic, which is then folded or otherwise joined to another layer and sealed so as to fully encapsulate the articles therein. Another common packaging container is a “blister pack” that again includes a molded plastic layer or shell, which is then attached to another layer of material such as cardboard, again, fully encapsulating the articles therein.

In view that the articles contained within the packages are fully encapsulated, the decision as to what to package must be made early such as at time of manufacturing, or at least at a packaging plant. However, allowing the decision at what to package to be made by others further along the product distribution path such as by distributors or final retailers would be advantageous.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention provides a packaging container. The packaging container includes an enveloping plastic layer, first and second articles, and a receptacle. The enveloping plastic layer is formed during an initial packaging, and the enveloping plastic layer has at least one opening. The first article is fully enclosed within one portion of the enveloping plastic layer. The receptacle is at least partially contained and secured within the enveloping plastic layer, and the receptacle has an opening adjacent the opening in the enveloping plastic layer. The second article is insertable into the opening of the receptacle thereby allowing the second article to be inserted after the initial packaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the intended advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevational view of an exemplary packaging assembly of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevational view of the packaging assembly of FIG. 1 with a cartridge out of the packaging assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of the packaging assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevational view of the packaging assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial front elevational view of an exemplary packaging assembly of one embodiment of the present invention with a portion of the package cut away.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,”“front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary packaging assembly 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, package assembly 10 includes a shell 11, a packaged article 12, a receptacle 14, shell opening 20, receptacle opening 22, cartridge 24 and locking device 26. Such aspects of the present invention can be incorporated into packaging assemblies commonly known as “clamshell,” “blister pack” or the like. The packaging assembly conveniently allows distributors, final retailers or others to selectively add one or more products to otherwise packaged articles, thereby providing significant flexibility in what is sold.

In the embodiment illustrated, a package article 12, herein exemplified as a video game controller, is packaged in shell 11 during an initial packaging process. For example, shell 11 can be a clamshell, blister pack or similar package formed during the initial process using well known techniques such that the article 12 is generally encapsulated the shell 11. Furthermore, receptacle 14 is also packaged within shell 11 during this initial packaging process and is also generally encapsulated within shell 11. As such, both packaged article 12 and receptacle 14 cannot easily be removed from shell 11, and cannot be removed without cutting shell 11 or otherwise disassembling package assembly 10 after completion of the initial packaging process. As will be discussed further below, receptacle 14 encapsulated within shell 11 can be configured to allow another article to be selectively inserted after the completion of the initial packaging process.

In one embodiment, receptacle 14 includes projections 15 and 16 extending from the receptacle body. Projections 15 and 16 each include an aperture through a center. As such, when shell 11 is formed around receptacle 14 to encapsulate it during the initial packaging process, shell 11 can also be pressed around projections 15 and 16, and also pressed into the apertures contained by projections 15 and 16. In this way, receptacle 14 can be firmly encapsulated within package assembly 10 and shell 11 such that it cannot be easily removed.

In other embodiments of package assembly 10, alternative projections, detents or surface irregularities are provided on receptacle 14 in order to secure receptacle 14 firmly within package assembly 10 and shell 11 in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. The alternate projections, detents, or irregularities can be provided in the sides, bottom or top of receptacle 14. In cases, where the provisions for securing receptacle 14 within shell 11 are located at its top, receptacle opening 22 may need to me modified or located on the side or other location so that cartridge 24 is still insertable into receptacle opening 22. In other cases, shell 11 is configured to have a void that is shaped to hold receptacle 14 in place without any projection or detent, while still allowing access to receptacle opening 22.

In one embodiment, receptacle 14 is a security container, such as that can be used for selling CDs, DVDs, game cartridges, or the like. Such security containers can be configured to allow a CD, DVD, game cartridge, or the like to be inserted therein upon which a one-way locking device is actuated. In one embodiment, a game cartridge 24 is inserted into receptacle 14, and cartridge 24 is illustrated within receptacle 14 with dashed lines.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary packaging assembly 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, package assembly 10 includes shell 11, packaged article 12, receptacle 14, shell opening 20, receptacle opening 22, and locking device 26. Cartridge 24 is illustrated above package assembly 10, and directly above receptacle opening 22. The arrow illustrates the direction in which cartridge 24 is moved in order to insert it into receptacle 14.

In one embodiment, once cartridge 24 is inserted into receptacle 14, locking device 26 secures it into package assembly 10. This inhibits easy removal of the CD, DVD, game cartridge, or like unit after it has been inserted into receptacle 14. As such, shoppers are prevented from removing cartridge 24 until they can spend more time for such removal, such as after it is purchased and taken home. Receptacle 14 inhibits shoplifting because the CD, DVD, game cartridge, or the like cannot be easily removed from receptacle 14. Receptacle 14 can be mounted to a card or other portions of the packaging assembly 10.

Although receptacle 14 is mounted or otherwise located within the formed packaging assembly 10 and shell 11 of packaging assembly 10, one or more shell openings 20 are provided in shell 11, which can be a plastic covering, clamshell, blister pack or the like. This shell opening 20 of packaging assembly 10 also facilitates additional articles that are to be inserted into receptacle 14. As such, even after packaging assembly 10 is completely formed during the initial packaging process, for example at an assembly plant or facility, a cartridge 24 can still later be inserted into receptacle 14 at a later time after initial assembly, such as at the retail store.

In the embodiment illustrated, shell opening 20 is aligned with receptacle opening 22 provided in receptacle 14 so as to allow the cartridge 24 to be inserted through the openings 20 and 22 and into receptacle 14. After the cartridge 24 has been inserted into receptacle 14, a locking device 26 of receptacle 14 can be operated so as to secure the cartridge 24 in receptacle 14.

The package assembly 10 thus provides increased flexibility by allowing distributors, final retailers or the like to select which products to combine and thereby sell. For instance, it is not uncommon for a distributor to have excess inventory such as game cartridges that are no longer the most popular, and thus, may be more difficult to sell individually. However, with one embodiment of packaging assembly 10 of the present invention, the distributor can select and insert any desired game cartridge 24 into the packaging container 10, which has been prepackaged with one or more other articles 12, such as a game controller, and thereby offer, a game controller 12 in combination with a game cartridge 24 as an incentive for purchase. In this manner, the distributor can selectively complete packaging with the resulting package being easily shipped to a final retailer for ready display and purchase.

With one embodiment of the package assembly 10 of the present invention, final retailers can alter the contents of the package assembly 10 without any special tools for resealing the package, yet the final package assembly 10 can be configured with both packaged article 12 and cartridge 24 that are each well-protected from easy removal. This provides flexibility to the retailer in packaging products without adding expense or compromising protection from shoplifting and theft.

FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively illustrate end and side views of an exemplary packaging assembly 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, cartridge 24 is illustrated in dashed lines within receptacle 14. From the end view illustrated in FIG. 3, a top surface of cartridge 24 is visible through both shell opening 20 and receptacle opening 22. Locking device 26 is illustrated extending over the top surface of cartridge 24. Since cartridge 24 fits relatively snugly into receptacle 14, locking device 26 thereby prevents cartridge 24 from being easily removed from receptacle 14 once it is inserted.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial front view of packaging assembly 10 with a portion of the package cut away. In the Figure, locking device 26 is illustrated securing cartridge 24 within receptacle 14. In one embodiment, locking device 26 is a one-way locking device with a ramped surface (one its upper side as illustrated in FIG. 5), which allows cartridge 24 to slide relatively easily into receptacle 14. In one embodiment, locking device 26 also has a flat surface (on its bottom side as illustrated in FIG. 5), which engages the top of cartridge 24 and prevents cartridge 24 from being easily removed from receptacle 14 once it is inserted.

In one embodiment, locking device 26 is formed integrally with receptacle 14, and in other embodiments, and aperture is provided in which locking device 26 can be fixed to receptacle 14 to secure cartridge 24 within receptacle 14. In any case, locking device 26 is firmly held adjacent the side of receptacle 14 so that it cannot easily be moved out of the way of cartridge 24 when an attempt is made to remove cartridge 24 from receptacle 14.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. For instance, it should be understood that aligned apertures in the enveloping plastic layer of the packaging assembly 10 can be oriented as necessary with respect to receptacle 14 or portion 13 if necessary in order to allow insertion of the additional article in any manner as desired. In addition, although illustrated as a security container, other means or devices can be used to secure the inserted article into the packaging container once it has been inserted. For example, such techniques can include but are not limited to adhesives, wire straps or other fasteners. Generally, such means inhibit easy removal of the inserted article so as to prevent stealing. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 

1. A packaging container comprising: an enveloping plastic layer formed during an initial packaging, the enveloping plastic layer having at least one opening; a first article fully enclosed within one portion of the enveloping plastic layer; a receptacle at least partially contained and fully secured within the enveloping plastic layer, the receptacle having an opening adjacent the opening in the enveloping plastic layer; and a second article insertable into the opening of the receptacle thereby allowing the second article to be securely inserted after the initial packaging.
 2. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is a security container.
 3. The packaging container of claim 2, wherein the security container includes projections that are secured within the enveloping plastic layer thereby preventing easy removal of the security container from the enveloping plastic layer.
 4. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein the enveloping plastic layer is a clam-shell package that fully secures the receptacle such that the receptacle cannot be removed from the packaging container without tearing the claim-shell package.
 5. The packaging container of claim 2, wherein the security container includes a locking device that secures the second article within the security container.
 6. The packaging container of claim 5, wherein the locking device of the security container is a one-way lock such that the second article can be inserted into the security past the locking device and such that once the second article is inserted into the security container the locking device prevents the second article from being removed from the security container.
 7. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein first article is a video game controller.
 8. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein second article is one of the group comprising a CD, DVD, and game cartridge.
 9. A packaging container comprising: a plastic clam-shell having at least one opening; a first article fully enclosed within the plastic clam-shell; a security container contained within the plastic claim-shell, the security container having an opening adjacent the opening in the plastic claim-shell; a second article insertable into the opening of the security container; and means for allowing the second article to be inserted into the opening of the security container and for preventing the second article from being removed from the opening of the security container once it is inserted.
 10. The packaging container of claim 9, wherein the plastic clam-shell is a layer that envelopes the security container thereby securing the security container such that the security container cannot be removed from the packaging container without tearing the plastic claim-shell.
 11. The packaging container of claim 10, wherein the security container includes projections that are also secured within the plastic clam-shell.
 12. The packaging container of claim 10, further comprising a locking device adjacent the security container that secures the second article within the security container.
 13. The packaging container of claim 12, wherein the locking device of the security container is a one-way lock such that the second article can be inserted into the security past the locking device and such that once the second article is inserted into the security container the locking device prevents the second article from being removed from the security container.
 14. The packaging container of claim 9, wherein first article is a video game controller.
 15. The packaging container of claim 9, wherein second article is one of the group comprising a CD, DVD, and game cartridge.
 16. A method for packaging articles comprising: fully enclosing a first article in an enveloping plastic layer formed during an initial packaging process; providing at least one opening in the enveloping plastic layer; securing a receptacle within the enveloping plastic layer during the initial packaging process; providing a an opening in the receptacle adjacent the opening in the enveloping plastic layer; and inserting a second article into the opening of the receptacle after the initial packaging process such that the second article is secured within the receptacle.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the receptacle is a security container having projections.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein securing the receptacle further comprises forming a clam-shell package around the receptacle and around the projections such that the receptacle cannot be removed from the packaging container without tearing the claim-shell package.
 19. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing a locking device on the security container that secures the second article within the security container.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the locking device of the security container is a one-way lock such that the second article can be inserted into the security past the locking device and such that once the second article is inserted into the security container the locking device prevents the second article from being removed from the security container. 